Team – Phyto-Riker Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Meet The Team

Chief Executive Officer

Ernest Opoku

Ernest Opoku serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Phyto-Riker GIHOC Pharmaceuticals Ltd, where his unwavering dedication lies in propelling the company towards innovation, growth, and sustainable success. With a profound commitment to excellence and a proven track record in leadership, he guides our dynamic team towards delivering unparalleled solutions and fostering positive impact within Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector and the wider sub-region. With extensive experience acquired from pivotal roles at Grundfos West-Africa and American Towers Corporation, Ernest brings a unique amalgamation of strategic foresight, operational proficiency, and a fervent dedication to nurturing a culture of collaboration and innovation. He thrives amidst the complexities of market dynamics, consistently identifying opportunities for transformative growth.

Head, Manufacturing

Caroline Asante (Dr. Mrs.)

Dr. (Mrs.) Caroline Asante is the head of Manufacturing and Superintendent Pharmacist for Phyto-Riker (GIHOC) Pharmaceuticals (PRG). Her thirty-four years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, has contributed in shaping the industry’s reputation and facilitated its growth on different strands. She is a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana (PSGh) and contributed significantly to the society’s development as a previous executive member, having held such a position in the past. She is a preceptor for students in the industry, and views the holistic training of pharmacy students as a passion. Through this passion PRG is viewed as a respected industry enabler, providing practical training solutions to future pharmacists. Dr. Caroline Asante holds a PharmD degree from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and an MBA from GIMPA. She is a dedicated results driven Senior Manager with a highly successful track record of profitable business growth achieved through the implementation of total quality management systems in the production of quality pharmaceutical products, that meet regulatory expectations and exceed customer satisfaction. A team player with excellent interpersonal skills, working with diverse contract manufacturers as well. She is sociable, self-disciplined, and a proven adapter to the dynamic changes in the working environment.

Head, Product Development And Regulatory Affairs

Emmanuel Agyeman

Emmanuel Agyeman became the Head of Product Development and Regulatory Affairs for Phyto-Riker (GIHOC) Pharmaceuticals Ltd (PRG) in 2020 with over 20 years of experience in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. He is responsible for Product and Process Development and Validation. He also acts as the liaison between Regulatory Agencies and PRG. Prior to joining PRG, Emmanuel was the Manager, Production (non-Beta lactam), Head, Production, and then Head, Product Development at various times of his employment at Entrance Pharmaceuticals and Research Centre. He played a massive role in the Manufacturing and ISO certification of Entrance by FDA [Ghana] and TUV NORD respectively. Emmanuel is a registered Pharmacist in Ghana, a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, and an executive member of the Industrial Pharmacists Association.

Head, Marketing & Sales

Nathaniel Palm

Nathaniel Palm became the Head, Marketing and Sales for Phyto-Riker (GIHOC) Pharmaceuticals Limited in 2020. He is currently providing leadership for high-impact and focused strategies in marketing and sales, aligned to the ambitious growth that Phyto-Riker (GIHOC) Pharmaceuticals seeks. Prior to becoming Head, Marketing and Sales, Nathaniel was the Sales Lead both at Universal Crystal Print (TG Holdings Company Ltd) and Worldwide Healthcare Ltd respectively. He previously had a stint with Shalina Healthcare Limited as Commercial Manager. Nathaniel has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Ghana, and an MBA in Strategic and Project Management from the Paris Graduate School of Management.

Head, Internal Auditor

Obed Larbi

Obed Larbi joined Phyto-Riker (GIHOC) Pharmaceuticals Ltd (PRG) in August 2017with over 10 years of experience in internal auditing and risk management across multiple industries. He is responsible for providing assurance to the board of directors, and senior management that key internal controls are in place, are well designed and are operating effectively. Obed joined PRG from Vodafone Ghana, where he worked as a Senior Internal Auditor. He played a key role in completing the Integrated Assurance Mapping project, which sought to harmonize the risk management activities of various assurance providers within the company.

Head, Quality Assurance & Quality Control

Mercy Hayford

Mercy Hayford is the Head, Quality Assurance & Quality Control for Phyto-Riker (GIHOC) Pharmaceuticals Ltd. She assumed the position in 2019. She is responsible for the implementation of the overall quality management system of the company. She ensures that quality assurance procedures and methodologies are established and adhered to, throughout the manufacturing and development processes. She supports overall production and manufacturing efficiency by identifying opportunities to enhance productivity. Since this role connects to the quality assurance fabric of the entire organization, she takes a more active, hands-on interest in implementing cost-saving and efficiency-enhancing solutions both in quality assurance procedures and production activities as a whole.

Head, Human Capital & Resource

Sheila Amankwaa Agyemang

Sheila Amankwaa Agyemang assumed the position of Head of Human Capital and Resource for Phyto-Riker (GIHOC) Pharmaceuticals Limited in March, 2024. Prior to her appointed, she was the Senior HR Officer for Phyto-Riker (GIHOC) Pharmaceuticals Limited where she played a pivotal role in driving employee engagement initiatives and talent development strategies. Along her career journey, she has garnered a great wealth of experience beyond of two decades in Administration. As the Head of Human Capital & Resource, Sheila is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Human Resources function including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, talent development, compensation and benefits, formulating and implementations of policies and ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations with the primary goal of aligning HR strategies with the organization’s overall business objectives.

Head, Chief Finance Officer

Deborah Mansah Ohene

Deborah Mansah Ohene assumed the position of Acting Chief Finance Officer in June 2024. She is responsible for managing the Financial Operations, Risk, Compliance, and Financial Regulatory space while supporting strategy development and execution. Before this role, she was the Management Accounting Executive responsible for Treasury, Budgeting, Planning, and Costing as well as Financial Analysis. She started her career as an Account Officer in 2007 progressing through the ranks to become a Senior Account Officer. Working with teams and people. As well as maintaining positive relationships with new and existing clients and suppliers, has all contributed to the development of a strong finance team. Deborah earned her MBA in Accounting and Finance and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Professional Studies, Accra. She is passionate about organizing corporate and social events.